Lawrence “Larry” Counseller

Lawrence “Larry” Counseller, 83, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away on October 10, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife and family after a long illness. Larry was born on September 9, 1941, in Lansing, Michigan, to Norval and Norma Counseller in Lansing, Michigan.

Larry was a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

He met the love of his life, Gwen when she was in high school, and they married young. Their dedication and love for each other during the good times and challenges was a beacon to those seeking an example of true marriage vows. Larry was a hopeless romantic and was always surprising Gwen with thoughtful gifts and signs of his love.

Throughout his life, he was an outstanding athlete. He played football, basketball and baseball, while earning State titles in track and field and was a life-long Golf champion. His passion for golf and love for the game, was passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Larry took great pleasure in watching the younger generations excel in the sport and was able to complete his final wish of riding in the cart watching his great grandson play. He and his wife, Gwen, were avid fans of MSU sports, particularly the men and women’s basketball teams and football. They attended numerous games over the years, creating cherished memories together with their close friends.

After retiring from Associated Truck Lines, Larry became a well-known figure around the old Ingham Medical Center campus. He dedicated his time to escorting patients to and from their appointments at the hospital and moved to the surgical floor. Larry continued his selfless service at the new McClaren Hospital, where he assisted staff and patients in the surgical lounge. He was very honored to be awarded Volunteer of the Year, and he gave back through donations for benches and Pergola that are outside the McClaren Hospital for staff and patients to use.

Larry and Gwen were lifelong parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. They actively participated in the “Cane” ministry, refurbishing used walking canes and donating them to the church for the elderly. Larry’s love and dedication to family, friends, and the community were evident through his generous giving of himself in any way he could. His soft-spoken words of encouragement, comfort in time of challenges, and a readiness to help his neighbor was all part of Larry’s generous heart.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Gwen, and their children: Kathy (Dennis) Pohl, Kelly (Mike) Shrauger, Steve Counseller, and Angela Jones. He will be deeply missed by his nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, sister Susan Fenn, nieces, and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Lynwood Counseller, and his brother-in-law, Rod Fenn.

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held in Larry’s honor at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 3815 S. Cedar St., Lansing, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice in memory of Lawrence Counseller.

Larry Counseller’s passing leaves a void in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to his family, friends, and community will be remembered and cherished forever. May his soul rest in eternal peace.